Are you planning to buy a new CPU or motherboard? Maybe you’re looking to upgrade your current setup? Whatever the case may be, knowing which CPU socket you have is essential. In this article, we will simplify the Intel CPU socket identification process and help you find the right socket for your Coffee Lake processors.
Buying a new CPU and motherboard combo?
If you’re in the market for a new CPU and motherboard combo, we’ve got you covered. Check out our Intel processor socket list below for compatible matches. We also have recommended motherboard CPU combos for different computer types.
Buying a new CPU for your current motherboard?
Not ready to part with your current motherboard? No worries! Download and run CPU-Z, a handy tool that provides detailed information about your CPU and motherboard. Simply click on the Mainboard tab and look for your motherboard chipset under the “Southbridge” field. You can then refer to our list below to find CPUs that are compatible with your motherboard chipset.
You can also identify your motherboard type by looking at its model name, such as Asus Z87-Pro or Gigabyte H77M-D3H. These names can give you an idea of the motherboard’s compatibility.
Buying a new motherboard for your current CPU?
Planning to upgrade your motherboard without changing your current CPU? CPU-Z is your friend here too. Once you’ve downloaded and run the software, click on the CPU tab. Look for your CPU model under the “Name” field. With this information, you can refer to our list below to find motherboards that are compatible with your CPU.
Now that we have covered the basics, let’s delve into the specific CPU socket types for Intel processors.
LGA 1200 Intel CPU Socket (Launched in 2020)
The LGA 1200 socket is the latest socket type for Intel CPUs. It was introduced in 2020 and supports Comet Lake CPUs. If you have an LGA 1200 socket, you have a range of compatible motherboards to choose from, including H410, B460, H470, Q470, W480, and Z490.
LGA 1151 Intel CPU Socket (Launched in 2015)
The LGA 1151 socket was introduced in 2015 and is compatible with Coffee Lake and Coffee Lake Refresh CPUs. However, please note that a BIOS update may be required for Coffee Lake Refresh CPUs. LGA 1151 motherboards come in different variants, including H310, B360, H370, Q370, Z370, and Z390. These motherboards do not support Skylake and Kaby Lake CPUs.
If you have an LGA 1151 socket and are using Skylake or Kaby Lake CPUs, you’ll need to opt for motherboards like B250, Q250, H270, Q270, and Z270. BIOS updates are not required for these motherboards. However, Coffee Lake and Coffee Lake Refresh CPUs are not compatible with LGA 1151 motherboards of this type.
Furthermore, H110, B150, Q85, Q150, H170, and Z170 motherboards are compatible with Skylake and Kaby Lake CPUs. However, a BIOS update may be required for Kaby Lake CPUs. These motherboards do not support Coffee Lake and Coffee Lake Refresh CPUs.
LGA 1150 Intel CPU Socket (Launched in 2013)
The LGA 1150 socket, launched in 2013, supports Haswell, Haswell Refresh, and Broadwell CPUs. Compatible motherboards include H97 and Z97, which do not require a BIOS update. For Haswell and Haswell Refresh CPUs, you can opt for H81, B85, Q85, H87, Q87, and Z87 motherboards. However, a BIOS update may be required for Haswell Refresh CPUs.
LGA 1155 Intel CPU Socket (Launched in 2011)
The LGA 1155 socket, introduced in 2011, is compatible with Sandy Bridge and Ivy Bridge CPUs. Sandy Bridge and Ivy Bridge CPUs work seamlessly with B75, Q75, Z75, H77, Q77, and Z77 motherboards, with no BIOS update required. If you have a B65, Q65, or Q67 motherboard, you’ll only be able to use Sandy Bridge CPUs. Lastly, H61, H67, P67, and Z68 motherboards are compatible with both Sandy Bridge and Ivy Bridge CPUs, but a BIOS update may be required for Ivy Bridge CPUs.
LGA 2011 Intel CPU Socket (Launched in 2011)
The LGA 2011 socket, launched in 2011, is suited for Haswell-E, Sandy Bridge-E, and Ivy Bridge-E CPUs. If you have an LGA 2011 socket, you’ll need an X99 motherboard to support Haswell-E CPUs. X79 motherboards, on the other hand, are compatible with Sandy Bridge-E and Ivy Bridge-E CPUs. Please note that a BIOS update may be required for Ivy Bridge-E CPUs.
LGA 1156 Intel CPU Socket (Launched in 2009)
The LGA 1156 socket, introduced in 2009, supports Westmere (Clarkdale) and Nehalem (Lynnfield) CPUs. H55, P55, H57, and Q57 motherboards are compatible with these CPUs, while a BIOS update may be required for Westmere (Clarkdale) CPUs.
LGA 1366 Intel CPU Socket (Launched in 2008)
The LGA 1366 socket, launched in 2008, is compatible with Westmere (Gulftown) and Nehalem (Bloomfield) CPUs. X58 motherboards work seamlessly with these CPUs, but a BIOS update may be required for Westmere (Gulftown) CPUs.
Now that you have a better understanding of the different CPU socket types for Coffee Lake processors, you can make informed decisions when buying or upgrading your CPU and motherboard. Remember to consult our compatibility list, and happy shopping!
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